Ford ESCORT VAN

The register lists 56 versions with outputs from 40 to 66 kW, diesel and petrol engines from 1,090 to 1,998 cc, kerb weights from 766 to 1,250 kg and gross vehicle weights from 1,200 to 1,900 kg; width ranges from 1,570 to 1,700 mm.

As a light commercial vehicle on a compact-car base, the Escort Van competed with the VW Caddy, Renault Express and Citroën C15 for small trade and courier businesses that needed a nimble, economical vehicle without the bulk of a Ford Transit. Its lower payload compared with dedicated vans was offset by lower purchase and running costs and passenger-car driving manners.

When buying a used example, check above all for rust in the sills, wheel arches and rear tailgate, the condition of the leaf springs and dampers on overloaded vehicles, and, on diesel versions, the timing belt and injection pump. The load-bay trim should be checked for damp and rust-through from the inside; engine and chassis parts remain readily available through the classic Ford parts trade, while body panels specific to the van version are harder to find.